Stern Goes Home Sick On Crucial Day Of Negotiations

NEW YORK (AP) — The marathon NBA bargaining sessions have taken their toll on Commissioner David Stern.

Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver says Stern was sent home Thursday by his doctor with the flu and will not be available for afternoon negotiations with players.

Trying to end the lockout, owners and players met with federal mediator George Cohen for 16 hours Tuesday, ending around 2 a.m Wednesday, then returned eight hours later and spent another full day in discussions.

Silver said the 69-year-old Stern would still be working from home and would be an “active participant.”

Owners met Wednesday and Thursday and discussed their plans for expanded revenue sharing, which they plan to implement after they have completed the collective bargaining agreement.